The larger issue is how seldom the broadcast networks take advantage of their primetime real estate to cover anything that approaches serious news, as opposed to self-promotional nonsense, like ABC’s “Revenge for Real,” or silly infotainment stunts, like that network’s “What Would You Do?” and its latest bastard cousin, “Would You Fall for That?” (The answer is “If you would watch something titled ‘Would you Fall for That?,'” then yes, yes you would.)

These are serious times, with major issues afoot. Most people don’t understand the changes coming to the healthcare law and couldn’t find the Middle East on a map. The George Zimmeran trial has renewed discussions about race, gun laws and profiling of African-Americans. And the level of dysfunction in Washington has even relatively calm folks like Bob Schieffer railing against Congress and a dysfunctional system.

Granted, these are complex issues, and many of them have a shaky history in terms of attracting an audience. But faced with those hurdles, the networks have largely thrown in the towel. And say what you want about “Rock Center,” NBC’s failed newsmagazine, but its cancellation will no doubt be seized upon as an excuse to fall back on the usual assortment of true crime, celebrity and sleaze in those rare instances when the news divisions do get a primetime berth.

One can argue, frankly, whether the U.S. audience is truly as enamored with the Royals as its media. As my colleague Tim Gray suggested, “The media’s fascination with the royals feeds the public’s frenzy.”